Legislation that would allow New Jersey racetracks and Atlantic City casinos to accept wagers on sporting events will go before an Assembly panel the week of Feb. 8.
The measure would allow gamblers to make bets in person or via telephone or the Internet, though wagers wouldn't be allowed on college games that take place in the state or involve a New Jersey college team, regardless of where the game was played.
Before any such law could be enacted, voters would first have to amend the state constitution to permit such wagering. The state would also need a legal victory in a federal lawsuit filed in 2009 by a state senator that seeks to overturn a federal ban on sports betting in New Jersey and 45 other states.
Neighboring Delaware last year enacted limited sports betting on professional football at three racetrack casinos in the state. The state has appealed a ruling that limits the scope of sports betting.